Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Tennessee Lightnin'


When I was in Tennessee with Mary, Bonnie and Tina, we all got a few items at the Cleveland Goodwill.  We split them up 4 ways and each went home with a bag.  



This is the start of what I'm making with the pieces.




It's inspired by this African American quilt made by an unknown maker in the 1930's.  
It was found near Huntsville, Alabama.




It's shown in one of my all-time favorite books.  Scott Hefley features his very inspiring collection of African American quilts in this book called Bold Improvisation. 



I made a similar quilt last spring with a combination of fabrics from other friends.  

I love the challenge of making a quilt from a wacky bunch of fabrics!  

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26 comments:

  1. RachaeldaisyMay 10, 2012 at 12:05 AM

    You sure know what to do with a wacky bunch of fabrics!! This is going to be another beauty!!

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  2. apiecefullifeMay 10, 2012 at 12:44 AM

    I love your quilts but I easpecially like this one.

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  3. antique quilterMay 10, 2012 at 12:47 AM

    looks like the start of another beauty! thanks for the book suggestion, now to decide is it one i need????
    This is one of my favorite quilts you have made
    Kathie

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  4. Cynthia@wabisabiquiltsMay 10, 2012 at 12:49 AM

    Wacky and sooo pleasing to the eye!

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  5. sheila 77May 10, 2012 at 1:20 AM

    Lovely fabric combinations - the pink dots against the stripes and the little bit of checked - great fun.

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  6. MaritMay 10, 2012 at 2:47 AM

    A very promising start for another lovely. Like how vibrant colors you choose. And I will find that book in my shelves and have another good look at it. Thank you!
    ; )

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  7. UnknownMay 10, 2012 at 3:50 AM

    You are definitely on a HST binge! But I so love what you are doing with them!!

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  8. LisaMay 10, 2012 at 5:10 AM

    Oh la la! I love those HST quilts! How big are your squares?? Just delightful.

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  9. Tonya RicucciMay 10, 2012 at 6:05 AM

    whee, love it. fab group of fabrics and I love that inspiration quilt design.

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  10. CarlaMay 10, 2012 at 6:36 AM

    Your quilts always make me smile!

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  11. ChrisMay 10, 2012 at 7:09 AM

    Love what you've got going here - it's got that Nifty look..I'm wondering what did these fabrics start out as? shirts?
    Also, may I just say that I LOVE the colors in the photo in your previous post, of the wooden walkway through the trees - those brilliant greens, the yellows, even the brown wood - delicious color! Happy quilting~

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  12. bethMay 10, 2012 at 7:27 AM

    you have me wanting to make a zigzag!!

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  13. KimMay 10, 2012 at 7:58 AM

    I'm cutting HST and watching you!
    Love both of them and wonder where my
    challenge will lead me? Like Beth I, really want to make a zigzag !

    Thanks for more inspiration LeeAnn and
    Happy Sewing

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  14. BarbMay 10, 2012 at 8:34 AM

    I love your zig zag quilt and I'm working on very similar one with swap flying geese that I'm doing with friends. I thought I had made up the arrangement, but I think it is the same as your - hope you don't mind.
    love the HTS too.
    Aren't challenges and swaps fun?

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  15. Selvage QuilterMay 10, 2012 at 8:45 AM

    I love this quilt! I remember your marathon sewing session in NYC. It's great to see some of my scraps in there too. This quilt is one of my all time favorites.

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  16. KarenMay 10, 2012 at 1:59 PM

    With quite a mix of fabrics, the design lends itself well to creating a very interesting quilt. I like it. Very vintage looking.

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  17. Mary KeaslerMay 10, 2012 at 3:18 PM

    Ah! oh so Nifty! I love it.

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  18. Bonnie HullMay 10, 2012 at 10:49 PM

    Oh please...now is that nice...to provide us with THAT standard to live up to? Hmmm...okay, I'm going to get my Tennessee bag out and take a look, but I'm pretty sure it won't be so cool...what a colorist you are. xo

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  19. ClareMay 11, 2012 at 4:23 AM

    What I love about reading blogs is discovering new to me books. Wow! It's going on my Wish List.

    Love the pinks.

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  20. Victoria Findlay WolfeMay 11, 2012 at 4:35 AM

    the pink and DOTS rock! it will be another beauty! You have that magic touch!

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  21. smazoochieMay 11, 2012 at 7:54 AM

    Oh! You beat me to it! That quilt has been on my To-Do List fr a long time. I LOVE what you are doing with it!

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  22. Sujata ShahMay 11, 2012 at 9:51 AM

    One of my favorite quilts in the book! Love your NY geese. Bonnie is right.. you set a very high standard for us. Keep at it, we love seeing everything that comes out of your sewing room.

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  23. SharonMay 15, 2012 at 12:39 AM

    Wow, I love your blocks! You sure have a knack for combining fabrics! I love the dots with the stripes! And I LOVE your NY quilt too. I want to do the HSTs too now!

    That book is already on my wish list. It's probably time to move it to the top.

    Looking forward to this weekend - see you soon!

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  24. Teresa RawsonMay 16, 2012 at 6:58 PM

    I LOVE that Tennessee Lightnin'!!! It just goes to show me that we all need to loosen up a bit and let the magic just happen!!

    Thanks for the inspiration!

    In stitches,
    Teresa :o)

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  25. Theodora quiltsMay 17, 2012 at 9:54 AM

    Hello LeeAnn and thanks for stopping by and joining in on my quilt shop hop I sure enjoyed myself while there shopping for fabric, I also hit some goodwill and got some goodies along with some packets of needles 20 in a pack for .35 cents I got all there was about 12 packs ,there are not very many good will shops in the area. My table is being shipped and it will take a couple of months to get here and I can't wait to set it up. I like your quilt that your making it is much brighter and funner than the one in the photo I also remember the one you made similar last spring I really like your colors I hope you had a nice time on your trip . take care theodora

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  26. VictoriaMay 17, 2012 at 11:40 AM

    Oh, wow! I think you are an absolute master when it comes to combining color and pattern!!

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